Fruit micromorphology of the genus Valerianella (Caprifoliaceae) in Iran

In this study, fruits characteristics of 17 species from 5 sections of the genus Valerianella from Iran were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Multivariate analyses using unweighted pairwise groups with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to evaluate the potential contribution of variables in describing interspecific and intersectional relationships. The results showed a great diversity of micromorphological features especially the shape of calyx, ventral groove and achene, the epidermal cell shape, the anticlinal and outer periclinal layer, hair and hair papilla, wax sculpture and their epicuticular foldings. Furthermore, it has been noted that micromorphological characters have a major impact on the identification and taxonomy of Valerianella. An identification key based on the micromorphological characteristics of the fruits was presented. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the combined micro-macro morphological traits were able to identify the boundaries of the sections and define the relationships of the studied species.